Upcoming Programs

Past Program Highlights

August 5 – Backyard Bird Watching – Enjoying and Learning

This presentation will be a fun filled event for the whole family. We will explore the varieties of birds you might find in your own backyard and their unique characteristics. It will be an interactive event filled with humor, knowledge and prizes.

Louis Asher and his wife, Lisa Wersal, live in a house which opens up to a wetland in the back – a prime situation for bird watching. However anyone can enjoy our winged friends from a typical yard, park or nature center. Louis retired from 3M Co. (in St. Paul, Minnesota) in 2008 after 39 years and has now devoted time to volunteer on environmental protection issues as well as to enjoy nature. He was president of the St. Paul Audubon Society for two years (2011 – 2013) and is an active member.

Potluck lunch at 11:30. All are invited to a picnic-themed meal at Pilgrim House. Our organizers will provide pulled pork sandwiches, lemonade and iced tea. You can bring your favorite picnic side dishes, fruits, desserts, vegetarian entrees, other beverages, etc. No sign-up needed; just join us for for a relaxing meal and good company.

July 15 – The Minnesota Opera

Have you ever been to an opera, but wish you knew more about it? Join us for a fun and interactive presentation by artists from Minnesota Opera. Through live performance and engaging lecture, these artists will walk you through the history of opera, the people who make it happen, and a day in the life of an opera singer. Whether you are an opera lover or an opera newbie, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn about opera from the source itself.
Presented by Pablo Siqueiros, Teaching Artist, Minnesota Opera.

June 3 – Flower Communion and Annual Meeting

Bring a flower from your garden to add to the fellowship bouquet, reflecting the beauty of our diversity and what each of us individually brings to it. Take home a flower from the fellowship representing what the fellowship gives back to each of us. This is a program begun in Czechoslovakia that has been held annually before our summer recess for many years. This is will be a short program followed by the Pilgrim House Annual Meeting.

The Annual Meeting will be held in the main hall followed by a taco bar lunch in the fellowship room hosted by the Pilgrim House Board of Directors. Hear a review of last year, plans for next year, and volunteer opportunities, approve a budget, and elect a chair for 2019-2020.

May 20 – Be the Match; National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP)

For the thousands of people diagnosed every year with life-threatening blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, a cure exists. Over the past 25 years Be The Match ®, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program ® (NMDP), has managed the largest and most diverse marrow registry in the world. They work every day to save lives through transplant. Judy Bloom-Martinez is retiring from Be The Match – her work included being a conduit between donors and recipients. She has traveled extensively to deliver or pickup stem cell products.

May 13 – Youth Homelessness

On any given night in the state of Minnesota, 6,000 youth are experiencing homelessness. Alisha Olson, LSW, is a program manager at The Bridge for Youth, a nonprofit that operates a 24/7 emergency shelter program for youth ages 10-17. Alisha currently is working on her Masters Program at Augsburg University, and will be presenting on the impacts of homelessness for youth, and what it looks like within our community. To really understand the issues we will briefly look at the other systems that impact specifically youth homelessness.

Also this morning, the Child Dedication of Josephine Rose Chaffee.

May 6 – Doug Wood – New Books and a Few Songs

He is an author, illustrator, musician, naturalist, wilderness guide, “Minnesota’s renaissance man. He is the creator of the award winning classic children’s book Old Turtle. He publishes critically acclaimed adult titles like Deep Woods, Wild Waters and Paddle Whispers. His two new books are, “Old Turtle: Questions of the Heart” and a new adult book “Deep Woods, Wild Waters: A Memoir” Doug communicates through words and music the inspiration to be found in nature—not as a place to visit, but a place to call home.

April 29 – Microaggressions Part 2

This is a followup to the well-received February 18 program. Jean Strait and Hamline students will share about, and answer your questions on, microaggressions. Expect discussion on how we can change our language to eliminate them. Students will share personal stories so Pilgrim House can understand the impact these comments have on everyday life.

April 22 – For Earth Day – The DeMasi Brothers return to Pilgrim House

Joseph DeMasi and twin brother John are singer/songwriter/humorists and fellow UU’s. Their song and humor takes on such topics as equal rights for all and finding spiritual fulfillment. Their songs and humor are touching and humorous but always thought provoking and unique! They have presented to over 100 UU fellowships throughout the country from CA to OK, from MN to NY to positive reviews and great acclaim. This is an inter-generational program.

April 15 – Healing Ourselves in Trying Times— Cancelled due to snow

Kristen Wernecke – author of “Choosing Conscious Health for a Vibrant Life” is an integrative health practitioner, practicing massage therapy and energy healing since 1990. She has also been trained in Chi Gung healing, Emotional Freedom Technique, Psychic Development, Cranial-Sacral therapy and Healing Touch. Kristen teaches classes on Meditation, Chakras, Energy Healing and Mind, Body, Spirit Healing, and is a Wellness Specialist at Hazelden. She will be sharing some techniques for reducing stress and finding personal purpose at this turbulent point in American history.

April 8 – Secrets of the Congdon Mansion

Jim Kimball was the reporter from the Star Tribune who covered the Congdon murder and has written a book about it. He has inside information that is almost funny, if it wasn’t .... well a murder. History Theatre of Saint Paul’s production of "Glensheen: The Musical," is returning July 5-29 – It is a hoot, and is based on this book. Hear the back story of this major news event.

April 1 – Our Traditional Spring Celebration

We are looking for members of the fellowship who would like to be part of the program. If you sing, play an instrument, dance, act, read and/or tell good stories, contact Mel Aanerud to be part of the program. The Pilgrim House Chorale will also perform. Following the program will be Soup Sunday with other accompanying foods for a springtime lunch. All are invited!